SPICEography - Master Your Spice Rack

What’s A Good Lavender Substitute?

Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region and is a staple of French cooking. English lavender is the variety most commonly used as a culinary herb. Its floral sweetness and citrus notes can complement a wide range of foods ranging …

How To Store Basil For The Freshest Flavor

Basil is one of the more versatile herbs and it’s easy to grow. The big problem is that fresh basil does not last very long and is not available year-round in many places. In order to get around this, there are a number of tricks that you can use to preserve your basil.

Too Much Cardamom? Here Are Some Tips For Saving Your Dish

The floral, minty notes of cardamom quickly become unpleasantly medicinal if you use too much of it. Failing to exercise moderation with this spice can make your dish inedible. Cardamom works best when it is used as a background note for other flavors, not when it is the only thing that you can taste. While you may be tempted to throw out a dish with too much cardamom in it, don’t give up. There are several options for rescuing your meal.

Too Much Coriander? Eliminate the Bitterness With These Solutions

Coriander is a versatile spice that shows up in curries, beer and can be used to add complexity to a dry rub. Coriander typically works best as a complement to other spices and stronger flavors; in other words, it works best as a background note. You have to use a lot for it to become truly overpowering but when used in excess, it pushes its way to the forefront and can make a dish excessively bitter. If you are faced with this problem and need a way to counteract the effects of too much coriander, you have options. Consider the following remedies.

What’s A Good Holy Basil Substitute?

Considered sacred in India, holy basil is used heavily in Thai and Vietnamese cooking. It offers an intense aroma that is similar to that from cloves along with a mild peppery bite and subtle licorice notes. The herb is best known for its use in drunken stir fry dishes from Thailand. In fact, if you want to make this type of Thai food, holy basil will be an important factor in getting the right flavor; however, it may not be the easiest herb to find. If your local Asian market is out or you need some right away, consider one of the substitutes.

How To Store Cilantro For The Freshest Flavor

Like most fresh herbs, cilantro has a short shelf life. In addition to its short usable life, preservation can be difficult as well. Because it is a delicate herb, simply sticking it in the freezer will result in a slimy mush when you thaw it. This is because the enzymes that break down plant matter will work on cilantro’s tissues even while it is frozen. In order to keep it fresh for long periods, you will need to learn the best techniques for storing cilantro. There are various options for keeping your cilantro usable for long periods.

Zedoary: A Mysterious Indian Rhizome

The plant from which zedoary is obtained is native to India, Pakistan and Indonesia but can now be found in many places. For example, it can now be found growing in Florida as well as in parts of Latin America. …

What’s a Good White Sugar Substitute?

Refined white sugar is arguably the most common source of sweetness in cooking and baking. Its main benefit stems from the fact that it sweetens without any other effect on the flavor profile of a dish. Other benefits include the …